Ian Coombes

Professor Ian Coombes is a Conjoint Professor at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Queensland. With extensive experience in clinical pharmacy practice, education, and research, Professor Coombes contributes significantly to medication safety, prescribing practices, and patient-centered pharmaceutical care.

His educational background includes a Bachelor (Honours) of Pharmacy from London School of Pharmacy, a Masters (Coursework) of Clinical Pharmacy from the University of Brighton, and a Doctor of Philosophy from The University of Queensland.

Professor Coombes' research focuses on critical areas of pharmacy practice including medication safety, clinical pharmacy interventions, cardiovascular disease management, and pharmacy workforce development. His work particularly emphasizes:

• Pharmacist-led transition of care services
• Quality use of medicines
• Prescribing error reduction
• Pharmaceutical care bundle implementation
• International capacity building in clinical pharmacy
• Professional identity formation in pharmacy education

His recent publication trends show a strong emphasis on cardiovascular medication management, with numerous studies examining pharmacist interventions in acute coronary syndrome and post-MI care. He has also pioneered work in developing clinical pharmacy services in international settings, particularly in Sri Lanka, and continues to advance methodologies for evaluating medication administration safety and pharmaceutical care impact.

Professor Coombes has secured significant research funding including the current MRFF grant "REducing hospital re-admission for high-risk CARDiology patients" (2023-2027) and previously led projects examining heart failure medication management.

As an active supervisor, Professor Coombes currently mentors multiple PhD and Master's students on projects related to pharmacist-led medication review, predictive modeling for hospital readmissions, and professional identity formation in pharmacy education. His collaborative approach extends to working with researchers across disciplines including medicine, nursing, and health services research.